Pushkin This episode is the last in our current season.
It's also been a difficult one to make.
Like all our shows,
it tries to strike a cautiously hopeful tone
because I do believe that each and every one of us can make positive changes that will make our lives happier.
But this episode isn't just about how to be happy in your own life.
It's about the need to fight injustice and the structures around us that prevent whole groups of people from living happy lives.
And that means that this episode touches on some tough issues,
things like racism and homophobia, as well as stories about hate crimes.
We started work on this episode before the killing of George Floyd and all the important conversations about anti-black violence that have followed.
But I hope you'll still find important evidence-based tips for how you can personally fight injustice.
including tips that I hope will be especially useful for listeners who are not themselves members of marginalized groups and who want to learn how they can help.
It was Sunday, June 12th, 2016, right in the middle of Pride Month.
More than 300 people had gathered at a Latin event at Pulse, a gay dance club in Orlando, Florida.
And just before closing time, a gunman walked in and opened fire.
49 people were murdered and another 53 were wounded.
It was one of the deadliest mass shootings on US soil and one of the most vicious attacks on LGBTQ people anywhere in the world.
It left the global community reeling.
After the pulse attack,
I went into work and I didn't think anyone mentioned it at all and obviously I was not.